Editor’s letter

We love your slower pace, holidays, entertaining, a project or two...

Welcome to our beautiful January issue. We had so much fun producing it.

It’s such an upbeat and inspiring issue and we so hope you like it too!

We all oohed and aahed over the delicious summer recipes for the upcoming season of entertaining – from finger food, salads and mains to truly spectacular desserts. We almost had to flip a coin as to what the cover of this issue should be – the pav or the tart. What we do know for sure is you’ll be a star whichever one you decide to make your signature dessert.

And what’s a celebration without a bit of fizz? So we thought you might like to make like a mixologist and whip up a cool cocktail or two (page 38). Seriously, is there any better way to greet your guests! Oh, and check out the fabulous ice ‘bucket’ and ‘tray’ filled with glorious and colourful flowers. It will be a scene-stealer!

With the arrival of summer, naturally your attention turns to the outdoors. I don’t know about you but I have numerous projects that have been waiting for the holidays so I can get to them. First on my list is giving my courtyard the refresh it so deserves. I quite fancy a few hang-ups – the hanging basket variety! Along with a few blooming beauties, herbs and vegies are on the cards (page 58) – I’m always running out of parsley, lettuce...

And I’ve fallen head over heels for the tropical-themed outdoor cushions and table linens (page 44). So much so, I’ve already set up the sewing machine in readiness to whip up these lovelies. That’s the beauty of sewing soft furnishings – they don’t take an age to make. And while piping gives scatter cushions a lovely tailored look, if you’re new to sewing or time is of the essence you can skip the piping and forgo inserting a zip.

If you need any other incentive to head outside, there’s lighting ideas galore. As Jenny our gardening editor says, you’ll see your garden in a whole new light!

I could go on but suffice to say enjoy the season of entertaining, stay safe and here’s to a very good year!